Low end shutter when Starting out

892 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Motorcycle Pete, Oct 5, 2009

Mike81Gl1100

Discussion Starter · Oct 5, 2009

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I recently purchased a 1981 Goldwing GL1100, changed plugs, fuel adn air filters, ran sea foam and some octane boost, took it to a mechanic and had the carbs syn. Mechanic said bike is great for its age and sounds good. He said these bikes are known for there low end shutter, he said you almost always need to ride teh clutch to start out a little higher RPM, if i start out around 1500 or 2000 No problems, he also stated something about a slow idle injection needle at the bottom? Any suggestions or is this just normal and just keep running it like it is.. Avg. idle is around 600-900 RPMS. I have read a lot about vacume leaks but i did spray entire engine with choke cleaner and it did not rev or alter the motor any. I am new and hoping to learn as much as possible.. I know there have been other posts, and ppl have all said and tried diff things, i just wanted to specify all ive done thus making it easier to diagnose.

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AZgl1800

· #2 · Oct 5, 2009

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never rode that model bike, but it sounds pretty normal from all I had read on it.

low end torque is not really there. use about 2,000 to 2,500 rpm to take off and feather the clutch. Run it in the high mid-range RPMs. those engines are happiest in the middle to high end.

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Bschofield

· #3 · Oct 5, 2009

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feather it in with the clutch and it goes smooth.. runs happiest around 4000 to 7000... once you get used to it , it is second nature.

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Hatchetman

· #4 · Oct 5, 2009

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Your idle should bee 900 to 1000. When rolling away from a stop I usually blip the throttle as Im letting the clutch out & than throttle up. they do have a low end shudder to them & sometimes you can reduce that just by the engine oil that you use. Delo 400 is a popular oil for these bikes which is sold cheap at Wal-Mart. just keep your oil clean because your oil is your clutch lube & you will get clutch debris in your oil as you ride!

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William_86

· #5 · Oct 5, 2009

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its normal. i always keep the rpms around 1500-2000 while relasing the clutch when taking off from a stop. they dont like low rpms.

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Motorcycle Pete

· #6 · Oct 5, 2009

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I agree with Hatchetman-

If your bike is idling well, below 1000 rpm, then there probably isn't anything else you can do to improve it's carbs...it's running as it should.

In my experience, the 1000's and 1100's just need a fair bit of throttle on startup, say 1500 or so, and some clutch slipping...you will get used to it.

It makes the older bikes a bit of a "pain in the arse" around town, for sure- they were definitely designed for the open road, and are not much fun, in start and go traffic. :waving:

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Mike81Gl1100

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 5, 2009

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I have heard about using delo so i did do this, now the bike has 67000 miles on it, could by chance it be clutch issue? or what is the life expectancy of one on this type of bike?

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Mike81Gl1100

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 5, 2009

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Yes that i keep hearing, around town is the only issue, now i noticed it more when cold but like u said higher RPMS it runs smooth and quiet.. I will just get used to it, i was just in fear of damaging the clutches.

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Motorcycle Pete

· #9 · Oct 5, 2009

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I replaced the clutch plates on my first GL1000 at 40K miles, but they didn't need it. I just did it, for fun, and to learn how. I subsequently ran mine to 138K and never touched it, again. I was a barely post-teenager, and I was hard as hell, on that clutch.

If he gets knocking or banging (or slipping in gear, which can be a simple adjustment problem or a wearing out situation) then that indicates a clutch plate prob, for sure. I know people who have run amazing miles on an older Wing and never once rebuilt the clutch. That's "anecdotal" info, but I think it's accurate and good info. :baffled:

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